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€980,00
African Dream Horse Safaris is a totally unique project with opportunities and experiences that differ greatly from other horseback safari programs available in South Africa, with an emphasis on having fun. Learn about working with, and riding, horses as well as spending time in the bush acquiring knowledge of the South African wildlife. Experience the beauty of South Africa while living your African Dream at this amazing volunteer project.
Collections: Adventure Travel, Horseback Safaris
Accommodation is provided at the Bushcamp which is on a neighbouring Big 5 reserve, just a short ten minutes from the stables. The Bushcamp consists of 3 comfortable, en-suite chalets that can accommodate up to 4 guests each.
A separate kitchen/boma/fireplace overlooks a waterhole in the bush. Here you can enjoy a meal or simply spend your time relaxing with a book, sitting around a campfire, while a variety of game come down to drink. The kitchen is fully stocked for a self-service breakfast while lunches and dinners are prepared for everyone at the stables.
There is a swimming pool nearby, surrounded by wooden decking and overlooking the bush, for those hot African days and there is another pool at the stables where you can take a refreshing dip during the lunch break.
The program is designed for groups of up to ten, who are interested in learning more about an equestrian centre and the management thereof. Topics covered include: the correct way to ride (in the wilderness and in an arena), handling of horses, general horse and equipment care, basic yard management, safety, instruction, schooling, basic equine veterinary care, horse behaviour, natural horsemanship, unique nature experiences with an emphasis on conservation, basic knowledge of ecosystems, identification, tracks and signs, animal behaviour and so much more.
The program exposes its guests to all the aspects of managing an equestrian centre, however you will not be expected to maintain the centre, so if mucking out a stable is not your thing, then don’t despair. Rather, emphasis is placed on learning in a relaxed and fun filled environment, and is available to both experienced riders and novices alike. If you have never ridden a horse before but would like to learn, African Dream Horse Safaris is the place to visit.
The owner of African Dream Horse Safari is Traci Thomson who is a devoted guide, accomplished competitive rider and dedicated conservationist. She is also qualified in both FGASA Level 1 and 2, as well as Advanced Trails Guide and facilitator. Her team is made up of Shannon, who manages the stable yard and works with the horses; Ryan, who is the administrator and conducts game drives on the Big 5 reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger, and finally Christelle, who also takes out game drives and horse trails, and as many past volunteers will agree, the entertainer.
Weather permitting, the weekly schedule combines equestrian related activities with nature, where you will either be at the stables or in the bush. Wednesdays provide you with an opportunity to experience one of the various excursions, while every second Thursday volunteers spend some time working with HALO (Hoedspruit AnimaL Outreach), assisting dogs in the local village, and if the opportunity arises, you will be able to assist Nourish, an NPO who are heavily involved in local community work.
On weekends you have the opportunity to go to the local bar for a party and a braai/barbecue around an open fire. A fair amount of free time is also made available, which you can use either to catch up on your personal requirements such as Facebook, Skype etc., or simply to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of your surroundings.
Throughout your stay at African Dream Horse Safaris you will be able to further your equestrian knowledge and riding skills, experience trails from horseback and experience show jumping/dressage and stable yard management within a wildlife environment.
The main objective at African Dream Horse Safaris is to create a love of, and an awareness of, the environment, with conservation as the main drive.
If watching wild animals or sitting around a campfire while sipping a well-deserved drink watching the African sunset appeals to you, then African Dream Horse Safari is the place for you to visit.
Some of the experiences you will be exposed to include:
• Horsemanship (general care, lunging, riding)
• Natural horsemanship
• Stable management
• Basic veterinary care
• Basic anatomy of a horse
• Tack and care of tack
• Teaching (beginner riders)
• Organizing and competing in a horse show (when available)
• Basic First Aid
• Trail riding amongst the wildlife
• Game drives during day & night
• Bush Walks
• Tracking of wildlife
• Environmental education
Every Wednesday volunteers have an opportunity to go on an excursion, which enables them to see more of the Lowveld and its surrounding area. Some of the popular choices are:
• Picnic Spot
• Mariepskop Mountain
• Jessica the Hippo
• Baobab Restaurant
• Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
• Panoramic Route
• Reptile Park Tour
• Kruger National Park
• Zip Lining
• Protrack Anti-Poaching Day
• Waterfall Hike
• Climb and Swim
• 24 Degrees South Spa
• Shops
• Restaurants
Included
• Accommodation
• Three meals per day, as well as a fully stocked kitchen
• Transport within the programme
• All equestrian activities (riding lessons, horse trails, fun rides, stable management, etc.)
• All wildlife activities (game drives, night drives, bush walks)
• Laundry (self-service)
• Unlimited Wifi
Excluded
• All drinks (drinking water is provided)
• Eating out (restaurants, etc.)
• All mentioned excursions
• Extra activities on excursions (big swing, massages, etc.)
• Transfers to/from the Hoedspruit airport (ZAR 200-00 one way)
• Arrivals and departures are on Fridays only
• Volunteers can book for a minimum of 2 weeks, no maximum
• Rates include shared accommodation, 3 meals per day, transport within the program, all equestrian activities (riding lessons, horse trails, fun rides, stable management, etc.), all wildlife activities (game drives, night drives, bush walks), laundry (self-service) & unlimited Wifi
• Predominantly popular with 18-30 year olds but all ages and levels of experience are welcome
• Attractive excursions available and easily combined with a stay in Kruger National Park (options available on request)
• The area is considered a low-risk malaria area, but you should consult your doctor in connection with malaria medication
• The climate is sub-tropical receiving rainfall in summer only and has dry winters
• Temperatures range from 18ºC - 45ºC in summer and 8ºC - 26ºC in winter
African Dream Horse Safari is situated in the Lowveld of the Limpopo Province of South Africa on the outskirts of the tourist town, Hoedspruit (430km north east of Pretoria and in close proximity to the Kruger National Park).
Please get in touch if you need more information or go ahead and Add to Cart. (The Add to Cart button here will take you to the top of the page where you need to select your preferred options.)
